Environmentalists BEST backed calls for a policy unit on housing, but raised doubts over claims of soaring prices.Meanwhile the One Bermuda Alliance weighed into the debate by urging Government to find ways of letting homeless people make use of the Island’s many derelict houses.The Sustainable Development Roundtable wants a policy unit set up within Bermuda Housing Corporation to tackle escalating house prices, the issue of vacant homes and future accommodation needs for seniors.Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce chairman Stuart Hayward questioned the SDRT’s concerns the cost of housing rose 175 percent in 15 years, and cautioned against manipulating the housing market by helping renters buy homes.However he agreed a more comprehensive approach to housing is needed.“The data being used by the SDRT appears to have been overtaken by events,” Mr Hayward told The Royal Gazette.“While the 15-year price trend may indeed be upward, the more recent trend, past three to five years, is downward for most of the housing market.“It would appear that the market is too volatile for the cumbersome process the SDRT is saddled with to be practicable.“Just about everything in Bermuda is more expensive than the rest of the world, but our incomes are also higher. It’s not good policy to be moved by just one side of Bermuda’s economic story.“Many homeowners are dependent upon rental income to cover their mortgages, I would imagine that is more true for recent homebuyers.“Thus manipulating the housing market by converting current renters into homebuyers shifts funds out of the hands of homeowners dependent on renters and directly into the hands of the banks.“That’s likely to penalise seniors and recent home purchasers most — not a demographic the Government would want to be targeting.”He said housing policy should bear in mind that, between 1970 and 2000, the percentage of land used for residential purposes in Bermuda increased twice as much as population growth; and was accompanied by a 21 percent reduction in open space.“While population growth has slowed, the nibble-nibble conversion of open space into housing, commercial, tourism and industrial use is relentless,” he said.He added: “We can no longer afford to ignore the link between population density, or crowding, and deteriorating social conduct — crime, violence and a scofflaw attitude on our roadways.“We support the SDRT’s call for a more comprehensive approach; that housing is but one factor and that a systemisation of social services would make a big difference.”Gaylynne Cannonier, who sits on the OBA’s shadow housing board and is the party’s election candidate for St David’s, said: “We agree the issue of derelict homes should be addressed.“The OBA shadow board for housing is exploring issues like compulsory purchase orders in respect of derelict homes, and ways in which Government could taking over responsibility for these homes with a view to renovating them for homeless families with rents paid to the owner.“This may be controversial but it seems to us that allowing homes to sit and rot while some families are homeless is morally wrong.“Also, in the face of our growing elderly population, it only makes sense to assess their housing needs going forward, with a view to meeting their needs, particularly for assisted living facilities.”Reacting yesterday, SDRT chairwoman Ianthia Wade said: “We are thankful for the interest in this issue and any voices that can be added to the call for the development of an effective and data-driven housing policy is welcomed.”The Ministry of Environment has not responded to requests for comment on the issue.Useful website: www.sdbermuda.bm